In Vitro Fertilization (IVF)

In Vitro Fertilization (IVF) is currently the most common Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART) procedure used to overcome a variety of fertility difficulties. IVF is the preferred method for tubal problems and sperm deficiencies.

How the In Vitro Fertilization Process Works.

In the IVF process, medications are often used to help stimulate the development and release of a woman's eggs. In general, the eggs and sperm are collected and placed together in a laboratory dish to fertilize. Once the eggs have successfully fertilized, the now embryos are transferred into the woman's uterus. A successful IVF treatment occurs when one of the fertilized eggs implants and develop just as in unassisted conception. A normal pregnancy should now occur.

Below is the Four Stage Process of the IVF Cycle

  1. Ovarian stimulation
    The goal of the first stage is to create a large number of mature follicles so as to increase the chances of fertilization. Since a woman's body normally releases one mature egg every month, medications can be used to stimulate the ovaries to develop more follicles. Follicles are fluid-filled sacs in which eggs mature. At the beginning of the cycle, each follicle is approximately 1-2 mm in diameter.
    Also during this stage, an injection of a medication may be prescribed to prevent a premature surge of luteinizing hormone (LH) that could cause early ovulation.
    Finally, during this stage, your healthcare provider may use ultrasound to monitor the number and size of maturing follicles in your ovaries. Blood tests may also be used to monitor hormone levels which will help determine the best time to administer medication and to retrieve the eggs.

  2. The egg retrieval process
    In the second stage, medications are used to stimulate the release of mature eggs. Dr. Sims will identify the mature follicles using ultrasound, and then, with a needle, withdraw as many eggs as possible from both ovaries. At this point, each follicle is approximately 16-20 mm in diameter.

  3. The fertilization process
    About two to three hours before the eggs are retrieved, a semen sample is collected. Approximately 50,000 sperm are placed with each egg in the incubator where they will hopefully form an embryo. When only a few sperm are available, Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection (ICSI) may be attempted. In this procedure, a single sperm is injected into an egg to facilitate fertilization.

    The next day, the eggs will be examined under a microscope to determine whether fertilization has occurred. If it has, the embryos will be ready to transfer into the uterus in about 72 hours.

  4. The embryo transfer
    The embryos are placed in a tube and transferred back into the uterus. The procedure is usually painless, though some women may experience some cramping. The number of embryos transferred depends on a woman's age, cause of infertility, pregnancy history, and other factors.

For more information about In Vitro Fertilization or to schedule an appointment with Dr. Sims, please call us at (918) 481-2992 or fill out our online contact form. A representative from Start Fertility Tulsa will contact you shortly.